Here’s a paraphrased version of the passage:
The St. Louis Cardinals have turned their season around. After a rough 14-19 start that reignited rumors about trading key players like Nolan Arenado, Ryan Helsley, and Sonny Gray, the team has caught fire—winning 13 of their last 15 games. Now just one game behind the division-leading Cubs, the Cardinals are starting to look more like buyers than sellers.
This recent surge has naturally sparked speculation about trade deadline moves. With the rotation stabilizing and the offense picking up, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter sees the Cardinals as potential buyers—particularly in search of a solid third starter behind Sonny Gray and Matthew Liberatore. While Miles Mikolas, Erick Fedde, and Andre Pallante have filled in, the team could still use a more dependable option.
However, not everyone is on board with that strategy.
A Word of Caution
Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch warns that buying now could undermine the rebuilding steps the team began last fall.
“The notion that the Cardinals might add players this summer is complete nonsense,” Worthy wrote. “It would signal that the team is backing off from last year’s tough—but necessary—decisions in response to criticism.”
Worthy isn’t saying the Cardinals should sell if they’re in the hunt. But chasing short-term success could repeat previous errors—patching holes quickly instead of building sustainable depth. His warning is especially relevant considering how the team has previously clung to playoff hopes only to come up short.
The Case for Staying the Course
The Cardinals still have serious long-term needs, particularly in developing pitching talent. Years of focusing on position players have left their farm system lacking in high-ceiling arms. Trading away more assets for a short-term fix could leave the team stuck in mediocrity—neither true contenders nor in a position to rebuild.
Timing is another factor. Veterans like Arenado aren’t getting any younger, while young players like Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn are only beginning to emerge. Making aggressive moves based on a brief hot streak could mask deeper problems.
A More Strategic Deadline Plan
That doesn’t mean standing still. If the team remains competitive, there’s room for smart, modest upgrades. That could include acquiring controllable pitchers with potential or shoring up the bullpen—moves that bolster the roster without derailing the long-term vision.
The NL Central remains up for grabs. The Cubs haven’t pulled away, the Brewers are beatable, and the Reds are inconsistent. The Cardinals don’t need to mortgage the future to stay in the race—they can compete and still keep their rebuild on track.
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